First look: New plans reimagine Chicago's North Michigan Avenue
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A reimagined Oak Street Beach. Rendering courtesy of Gensler
New plans have emerged from the world's largest design firm to rethink the Magnificent Mile.
Why it matters: Long an epicenter of shopping and tourism, famed North Michigan Avenue has struggled with regaining foot traffic after the pandemic, as well as experiencing record-setting vacancies and crime.
Context: Design firm Gensler spent years identifying potential creative shared spaces, including new interactive public art and a bridge that would connect North Michigan Avenue to Oak Street Beach.
- The firm's study proposes outdoor dining, performance stages and public seating along the avenue.
- It also calls for cutting two lanes of vehicle traffic.
The vibe: A place for tourists to hang out.
What they're saying: "This study demonstrates that design truly has the power to transform experience in our cities," Gensler design principal Benjy Ward said in a statement.
Zoom out: The study compared the Mag Mile to the Champs-Élysées in Paris, Fifth Avenue in New York and Regent Street in London.
Flashback: North Michigan Avenue hasn't seen many new developments or upgrades since the 1990s, but it was heading toward a facelift before COVID shuttered plans.
- Just recently, new legislation signed by Gov. JB Pritzker paves the way for business leaders along the Mag Mile to create a Business Improvement District, which could be used to collect taxes to fund area improvements.
The intrigue: The study was led by Gensler, which worked with two Chicago real estate stalwarts, Bob Wislow and Camille Julmy.
- Both helped build Millennium Park, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary.
Reality check: This is just a conversation starter.
- Even though Gensler says the study has been shown to city leaders, this is not an official project. The Chicago Architecture Center will display these renderings in an exhibit this summer.
What's next: It's unclear whether the city is prioritizing redeveloping North Michigan Avenue.